Sape lessons. If you’ve never heard of a sape, then perhaps it’s time to find out. A sape, Syafiqah says, is a traditional stringed musical instrument of the Orang Ulu ethnic community in Sarawak.

“Tusau Padan, was the first one who made the sape known to the world. After he passed away I took over. That guy was not only good at playing sape, he used to paint too, and did a lot of carving.

For Martinus Njok Sebi, 23, of Kenyah-Iban descent, the sape is more than just music, it’s identity. Having joined PUSAK in 2021, Martinus has performed regularly at cultural events across Sarawak.